Data security
How we use your information
The Data Protection Act puts obligations on users of personal information and lays
down principles for its use. One principle states that information has to be processed
fairly and lawfully.
This means you're entitled to know how we intend to use any information you provide.
You can then decide whether you want to give it to us.
Sharing your information
Unless you've given us your consent, we won't provide information about you to companies
outside our group to use for their own marketing purposes.
Sometimes we need to give information to our agents and subcontractors so that they
can provide a particular service for us. Sometimes, these companies may be located
abroad in countries that do not have adequate data protection laws. In these circumstances,
we always take great care to ensure your personal information is kept safe and secure.
Other members of our group may also share your information to help keep their records
up to date and administer your relationship with them.
Statutory disclosure of information
Some Acts of Parliament oblige us to disclose information about our customers to
certain bodies with statutory powers.
For example, we must give information to authorised benefit fraud investigators
where fraudulent benefit claims are suspected. In addition, HM Revenue & Customs
has the statutory authority to audit our customers' accounts from time to time.
Email
If you email us, or give us your email address, we'll keep a record of it. We may
use it to contact you occasionally about other products and services which may interest
you, unless you ask us not to.
We won't give your email address to any unauthorised third parties.
Remember that emails are not secure, and could be intercepted. If you send us an
email, please keep the amount of confidential information you include to a minimum.
We'll do the same when we reply.
Sensitive information
As a Birmingham Midshires customer, there may be times when you give us sensitive information.
We may share it with other parts of the group and our subcontractors to keep your
records up to date.
Sensitive information is defined by the Data Protection Act as:
- racial or ethnic origin
- political opinions
- religious beliefs
- trade union membership
- physical or mental health
- sexual life
- criminal proceedings and offences
If we ever collect these details from you, we'll only use this information to provide
the service you require. We'll also ask for your explicit consent.
Find out more about
our privacy policy >